Our primary network theoretically supports 20Mbps, and around 13Mbps in “real world” circumstances – the fastest cellular network in the world (it was even in last year’s Guinness Book of World Records)!

Admittedly, one needs a compatible device to FULLY benefit from such speeds, but because there’s so much bandwidth available, lower-speed devices typically get pretty close to their THEORETICAL maximum speeds (ie. the speeds quoted by the manufacturer that are normally unrealistic in “real world” circumstances)!

Our primary network theoretically supports 20Mbps, and around 13Mbps in “real world” circumstances – the fastest cellular network in the world (it was even in last year’s Guinness Book of World Records)!

Admittedly, one needs a compatible device to FULLY benefit from such speeds, but because there’s so much bandwidth available, lower-speed devices typically get pretty close to their THEORETICAL maximum speeds (ie. the speeds quoted by the manufacturer that are normally unrealistic in “real world” circumstances)!

Our primary network theoretically supports 20Mbps, and around 13Mbps in “real world” circumstances – the fastest cellular network in the world (it was even in last year’s Guinness Book of World Records)!

Admittedly, one needs a compatible device to FULLY benefit from such speeds, but because there’s so much bandwidth available, lower-speed devices typically get pretty close to their THEORETICAL maximum speeds (ie. the speeds quoted by the manufacturer that are normally unrealistic in “real world” circumstances)!

Fascinating results!

I’ve noticed that, regardless of radio type, browsing is much faster when an APN in configured as the RIM BIS network can have slow transfer rates at times. Using direct TCP (the result of a configured APN) significantly improves speed but, i believe, it’s not as secure.

I’ve also found 3G is faster when actually transferring >100kb of data.

For me, Network choice depends on personal requirements. For large bandwidth requirements 3G and Wifi are the way to go. Eg. If i’m sending a multimedia email with 5mb’s of attachments 3G can handle this task in about about a minute, wifi, 15 seconds, 2G 5 min+.

Also if receiving emails with multiple attachments then higher bandwidth results in faster downloads….duh.

3G also wins the tethering battle…you can’t tether on EDGE.

@Ryan WIFI is a separate component that when running drains additional battery on top of cellular…not positive though.

Fascinating results!

I’ve noticed that, regardless of radio type, browsing is much faster when an APN in configured as the RIM BIS network can have slow transfer rates at times. Using direct TCP (the result of a configured APN) significantly improves speed but, i believe, it’s not as secure.

I’ve also found 3G is faster when actually transferring >100kb of data.

For me, Network choice depends on personal requirements. For large bandwidth requirements 3G and Wifi are the way to go. Eg. If i’m sending a multimedia email with 5mb’s of attachments 3G can handle this task in about about a minute, wifi, 15 seconds, 2G 5 min+.

Also if receiving emails with multiple attachments then higher bandwidth results in faster downloads….duh.

3G also wins the tethering battle…you can’t tether on EDGE.

@Ryan WIFI is a separate component that when running drains additional battery on top of cellular…not positive though.

Some things to consider:
– I attended a RIM event once and recall that, “it take 10X the power to transmit data as it does to receive the same amount.”

– I’m not positive, but I suspect RIM compresses all the data transmitted via the NOC. BlackBerry’s are quite possible more efficient (less data transmitted/received over-the-air) for the same resource than a non-BlackBerry device.

– What is your source for for WiFi causing additional battery-drain than cellular? I think in both cases your distance to the Access Point or Cell Tower will play a role in how much power is consumed to transmit, and how much and frequently you transmit in that mode. Is a relatively close WiFi AP better for battery-life than a relatively distant EDGE or 3G cell tower?

– Currently, I’m running my 9700 on EDGE with WiFi and am enjoying the best battery life I have ever seen on a BlackBerry. I have WiFi at work and home (where I spend a majority of my time), and only turn 3G on when I tether or need the speed and don’t have WiFi.

Some things to consider:
– I attended a RIM event once and recall that, “it take 10X the power to transmit data as it does to receive the same amount.”

– I’m not positive, but I suspect RIM compresses all the data transmitted via the NOC. BlackBerry’s are quite possible more efficient (less data transmitted/received over-the-air) for the same resource than a non-BlackBerry device.

– What is your source for for WiFi causing additional battery-drain than cellular? I think in both cases your distance to the Access Point or Cell Tower will play a role in how much power is consumed to transmit, and how much and frequently you transmit in that mode. Is a relatively close WiFi AP better for battery-life than a relatively distant EDGE or 3G cell tower?

– Currently, I’m running my 9700 on EDGE with WiFi and am enjoying the best battery life I have ever seen on a BlackBerry. I have WiFi at work and home (where I spend a majority of my time), and only turn 3G on when I tether or need the speed and don’t have WiFi.

Some things to consider:
– I attended a RIM event once and recall that, “it take 10X the power to transmit data as it does to receive the same amount.”

– I’m not positive, but I suspect RIM compresses all the data transmitted via the NOC. BlackBerry’s are quite possible more efficient (less data transmitted/received over-the-air) for the same resource than a non-BlackBerry device.

– What is your source for for WiFi causing additional battery-drain than cellular? I think in both cases your distance to the Access Point or Cell Tower will play a role in how much power is consumed to transmit, and how much and frequently you transmit in that mode. Is a relatively close WiFi AP better for battery-life than a relatively distant EDGE or 3G cell tower?

– Currently, I’m running my 9700 on EDGE with WiFi and am enjoying the best battery life I have ever seen on a BlackBerry. I have WiFi at work and home (where I spend a majority of my time), and only turn 3G on when I tether or need the speed and don’t have WiFi.